State Fair attendance in Grand Island up, slightly

Attendance at this year’s Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island was slightly higher than last year.

State fair officials say total attendance for the 11-day event was nearly 337,000. That’s up about four-thousand, or 1.2% from last year, and nine percent higher than 2010.

And those attending the fair seemed to enjoy the experience. Survey results showed that 97% of respondents at this year’s fair rated it as better or much better than 2011.

But drawing Lincolnites and Omahans to the fair continues to be a challenge. Despite a boost in advertising in the eastern part of the state, the survey showed only 10 percent of fairgoers came from Lincoln, with only six percent making the drive from Omaha.